Boat Insurance Quotes in Naples, FL

Sal Gonzalez, Agent

239-593-7010

Boat Insurance

What does Boat Insurance cover?

Most boat policies cover physical damage to the hull, sails, machinery, furnishings, and most other equipment that is normally used on board. Most dangers are covered including vandalism, malicious mischief, and damage which results from collision or sinking.

Insurance needs differ depending on the type, age, or value of the boat or watercraft you own. Your policy will explain in detail what is covered and what is specifically excluded.

What about Liability Coverage for your boat policy?

You are also insured against liability losses. You are covered for damage you may cause to another boat, yacht, personal water craft, sailboat or dock, and for bodily injury or death to another person while operating your vessle.

Under most boat policies, the boat trailer is covered against physical loss or damage from any external cause.

What additional coverage is included on a boat policy?

You may purchase optional coverages, such as:

Coverage for your personal property

Coverage for your fishing equipment

Coverage against injury to you caused by an uninsured boater

What types of boats can we help you insure?

Bow Rider - Open bow type of boat with seating. They are best suited for use in lakes and inland waterways.

Center Consoles - Single decked open hull boats with the operator's console (helm) in the center of the boat. Work great as fishing boats. Most are powered by outboard motors.

Cuddy Cabin - A boat that contains a small cabin in the bow..

Walk Around - Cross between center console and a cuddy boat. Generally used as fishing boats and they contain a small cabin.

About Boat Insurance in Naples, FL

A subtropical climate with almost 1,200 miles of coastline creates the ideal conditions for boat owners in Naples, FL. GreatFlorida Boat Insurance will dissipate your worries so you can relax and have safe fun on the water.

Boat Insurance will give you peace of mind while you are out on the water. GreatFlorida Insurance offers boat owners in Naples a variety of protection from the risks of owning, operating and towing your boat.

GreatFlorida Boat Insurance provides coverage to jet skis, sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, ski boats and more. GreatFlorida Insurance carries top notch marine insurance policies to protect your vessel. Contact Sal Gonzalez at GreatFlorida Insurance today and our they will get to work for you with a simple, free quote.

However, concerning experts, are the recent heavy rains throughout the state, that may lead to additional sinkholes. Such as the ones in The Villages or the more than a dozen that opened in an Ocala neighborhood earlier this month.

Speaking to a local news agency, Dr. Anthony Randazzo, professor at the University of Florida calls the stretch of land between Tallahassee and I-4 through Central Florida, “sinkhole alley.”

Dr. Randazzo says last year’s Hurricane Irma is responsible for over 400 sinkholes. Recent heavy rainfall is exacerbating the problem.

Sinkholes occur in Florida so often because the peninsula is made up of porous rocks such as limestone or sandstone, which can dissolve over time as they interact with acid naturally occurring in rainwater, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

So, what happens if a sinkhole develops near or on your property? Florida law requires insurance companies to provide coverage for catastrophic ground cover collapse.

Florida homes do not require inspection for the possibility of sinkholes. Also, most builders do not have them inspected, because of the additional expense. It is impossible to predict when and where the exact location of a sinkhole might develop.

Only a licensed, professional geologist with training in identifying sinkholes, might be able to determine the possibility of sinkhole activity. It is important to keep in mind, not all potential sinkhole activity can be identified.

As a protection to buyers, home sellers are required to disclose when a sinkhole claim was made on a piece of property and the amount that was paid to repair the damages.

You can call the Florida Department of Environmental Protection at 850-245-2118, with a sinkhole question.

The 2018 Atlantic Hurricane season begins June 1 and runs through November 30. “Current research proves hurricanes are growing stronger and occurring more frequently,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent auto insurance agency.

Colorado State University predicts a slightly above average Atlantic hurricane season, with 14 named storms, seven hurricanes and three major hurricanes. Whereas, The Weather Channel, is predicting 13 named storms, six hurricanes and two major hurricanes.

While thunderstorms commonly occur in Florida, hail is not as common. It is a type of frozen precipitation that occurs within strong to severe storms any time of the year. Hail causes approximately $1 billion in property damage annually nationwide.

Hail can dent your automobile’s hood, trunk and doors. It can break and crack mirrors and windows and cause damaged or stuck doorjambs.

“It is really tempting to observe the novelty of anything frozen falling from the sky but hail can be dangerous, especially if it is sizable,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s top independent auto insurance agency.

If you are out driving when a hailstorm hits, don’t panic. Below are tips to stay safe on the road.

Slow down and be aware of other drivers around you who make not know how to react when driving in a hailstorm.

Create distance between you and the driver ahead of you.

Safely, get off the road. The impact of hail is greater on a moving object, so your car is at greater risk of damage when it is moving forward.

Look for coverage close by such as a gas station awning or garage. Avoid trees, falling branches can cause more damage.

If you stop under a bridge or overpass be sure to pull completely out of traffic lanes and onto the shoulder.

Do not leave your car.

Try and keep your car at an angle so hail hits it from the front. Windshields are reinforced to withstand pelting objects. Side windows and back glass are not, they are much more vulnerable to shatter or break.

If the hail is severe, cover your eyes or the eyes of any passengers with a blanket. Get face down in the backseat or floor, face away from any windows.

Stay clear of culverts or ditches that quickly fill with water.

Most comprehensive auto insurance policies will cover hail damage. Once the hail damage is accessed, work with your insurance agent to file a claim and get your car into an auto body shop to repair any dents or other damage caused by the storm.

“Once signed by governor David Ige, it will be the first law of its kind,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatForida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

The chemicals contributing to the destruction of coral reefs and other ocean wildlife are oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are common ingredients found in over 3,500 popular sunscreens such as Coppertone, Hawaiian Tropic and Banana Boat.

Oxybenzone and octinoxate are chemicals that filter and absorb UV light, blocking out the sun’s radiation and extending the amount of time a person can spend in the sun. However, like most topical products, they wash off in the water causing damage to coral and fish. According to coral reef advocates, Be Reef Safe, 4,000 to 6,000 tons of sunscreen end up on coral reefs every year.

A 2015 study conducted by a group of scientists of coral reefs in Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Israel found oxybenzone and octinoxate leach nutrients from coral, bleach it white and reduce its resiliency. The chemicals are known endocrine disrupters, even a tiny amount can damage coral.

“The largest coral reef in the continental U.S. is the Florida Reef, found in the Keys,” reminds Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatForida Insurance, Florida’s top independent boat insurance agency.

It is the third largest barrier reef ecosystem in the world. It too is being threatened by using these chemicals. In order to protect the future of Florida’s reef tract a similar bill could be passed in Florida. As the public becomes aware of the threat these chemicals pose to coral reef and underwater wildlife, it could prompt action to preserve our beloved reef.

Best thing to do now is read sunscreen labels and avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate. There other ingredients available in sunscreens that can effectively protect your skin. Most importantly, cover up. Sunscreen, should be the last line of defense.

2018 Earth Day is this Sunday, April 22. The theme for this year’s Earth Day focuses on ending plastic pollution. Single-use plastic is believed to be the biggest source of trash in and around water worldwide.

We use plastic everyday- plastic bags, toothbrushes, water bottles, product packaging. It’s hard to go a day without plastic,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s leading independent boat insurance agency.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the world’s largest collection of floating trash has grown to 600,000 square miles, twice the size of Texas. (Scientific Reports)

According to the website, Earthday.org, plastic poisons and injures marine life, disrupts human hormones, litters beaches and landscapes and clogs our waste streams and landfills. The movement is hoping to inspire and inform people into changing their attitude about plastics.

So, what can one person do to make a difference? Below is a list of suggestions to help you reduce the use of plastic.

Carry your own reusable shopping bags to the store.

Stop buying bottled water, carry a reusable water bottle.

Use a refillable mug at the coffee shop, you can even get a discount for it.

Say “no” to straws.

Checking your packaging. When possible, choose paper packaging over plastic, such as a box for pasta rather than a plastic bag.

Trade in your disposable razor for one you that you only must switch out the blade.

According to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), This once endangered species, has a healthy and stable alligator population estimated at 1.3 million in a variety of sizes just in Florida. In addition, alligators inhabit all 67 counties in Florida

An important part of Florida’s wetlands and eco-system, alligators become more active when the temperature rises and their metabolism increases. Mating season is from April – June.

“While alligators are a part of the Florida landscape, you certainly want to keep your distance,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of GreatFlorida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent boat insurance agency.

Alligators are unique, in the fact they that inhabit land and water. This feature also makes them very dangerous. American zookeeper, Jack Hanna says an alligator can outrun all human creatures within the first 20-30 feet of exiting the water, making it very difficult for humans to outrun alligators.

National Marine Manufacturers Association reports boat sales have increased every year for the past six years. Florida leads in boat sales and this year is expected to be no different, due to a surge in consumer spending as well as an increase in affordable boating options to hit the market.

So, what new trends can you expect to see out on the water this year? We will preview some of the most popular designs.

Digital dashboards

Dashboards have gone touchscreen and include mobile adaptions. These streamlined multi-functioned displays control the stereo, fish finder, gas levels, map position and GPS. The high definition screens can go up to 24 inches. They are designed to be viewed from any angle and do not block out when viewed through polarized lenses. Boating Magazine details additional electronics that are hot this year.

Pontoon boats

Pontoon boats are going upscale. Comfortable seating, the ability to accommodate so many and the convenient dock level entry gate, make pontoon boats universally appealing. Builders are offering painted tubes to prevent discoloration, music streaming abilities, mood lighting, wake board towers, barbeques and wet bars. Performance models keep up with speed boats, while twin engine and even triple engine pontoons, with up to 900 horsepower on the transom, really move.

Deck boats

Deck boats are coming back thanks to outward-powered designs. Outward-powered deck boats are more affordable and offer more interior space.

Flooring

Builders are finally ripping out the carpet and trading it for synthetic flooring. The new synthetic flooring is non-skid, quick drying and durable. Eliminating mold and rotted floors.

Ventilated storage lockers

With ventilated storage lockers, your gear doesn’t have to fight rust and mold. These news lockers include a power fan and utilize a timer.

LED Lighting

LED lighting is replacing the old bulb system. It is fully sealed to eliminate corrosion. LED lights last considerably longer while consuming little power to avoid battery drain. A variety of colors are available to express your style.

“Depending on your homeowner’s insurance policy, you might have limited coverage on a small vessel on your property. Boat insurance is highly recommended to protect you, your passengers and the boat as well as any new equipment and upgrades, reminds Buck.

Self-storage is a $38 billion a year industry. According to Sparefoot, an online source for self-storage information, over nine percent of households rent a self-storage unit. While Floridians spend an average of $88.68 a month on storage unit rent.

The Self-Storage Association reports half of all units are rented for a year. Many people find storage units a temporary solution during a move or while in transition. “A lack of attics and basements in Florida homes might leave you short on storage space,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Great Florida Insurance, Florida’s largest independent homeowners insurance agency.

However, not all storage rentals are temporary. 30 percent rent for two years or more. Of longer term renters, fifty percent are simply storing what does not fit in their home. And others have sentimental items they emotionally cannot deal with. While some are storing items they no longer need or even want. Often, long term self-storage renters forget what is in the storage unit.

“When you sign up to rent a storage unit, the self-storage company may try to sell you insurance, but chances are you already covered,” says Ellsworth Buck, Vice President of Great Florida Insurance, Florida’s top independent homeowners insurance agency.

Check if your policy covers items that are stored at an alternate location other than your home. While a renters insurance policy or homeowners policy will cover your belongings, it might not cover them as fully as the ones kept in your home.

Stored belongings might only be covered by a small percentage. A homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy usually protects personal property up to 10 percent of the amount of coverage in your policy.

Exclusions your homeowners or renters policy might not cover include flood or water damage, mold and mildew as well as losses incurred from the failure to maintain the unit properly, which is the responsibility of the storage company.

If you are storing a valuable collection, you might require a personal liability or umbrella policy for additional coverage and peace of mind. If you plan to keep a vehicle, motorcycle or ATV, you will most likely require separate auto insurance.

To properly safeguard your things selecting a storage facility to suit you and your belongings. Make sure to look for the following when shopping for a unit.

Gated facilities

24/7 security camera

Keypad access or a lock with short arms resistant to bolt cutters

Inspect the unit for pests or leaks before renting.

Choose a climate controlled unit that will protect against mold and mildew.

Do an inventory of what you have in storage along with the estimated value of each item and a picture.